Ventura Domestic Partnership Attorneys
California Domestic Partnership Laws
Provisions governing California domestic partnerships can be found in the California Family Code. A domestic partnership is established when two parties meet certain criteria as specified by these laws.
How Can I Form a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?
To form a registered domestic partnership, each individual needs to file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership and fulfill the following criteria:
- Both individuals are 18 years old (some exceptions are allowed)
- The individuals cannot be blood related
- Both individuals cannot be married or in another domestic partnership
- Both individuals must consent to the domestic partnership
- Both are members of the same sex or one or both is/are eligible for Social Security benefits and over *62 years old (this has been updated – see below)
*Governor Newsom signed a bill on July 30, 2019 redefining who is eligible for a registered domestic partnership, allowing opposite-sex couples under the age of 62 the option to form such a partnership. This new law was put into effect on January 1, 2020.
How Can I Terminate a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?
A domestic partnership can also be terminated under certain conditions. All these conditions are set forth in the California Family Code and must be met or the domestic partnership will be terminated through proceedings in California Superior Court.
California Domestic Partnerships & Same-Sex Marriages
The California Supreme Court issued a major decision on May 15, 2008 regarding same-sex marriages, which did not invalidate or change any of the California Family Code statutes related to registered domestic partners.
- Registered domestic partnerships will continue to be active on California’s domestic partnership registry.
- The California Secretary of State will continue to process domestic partnership-related filings as permitted by the domestic partnership law.
If you have questions about how the California Supreme Court’s decision may apply to your circumstances, contact us online.
How Domestic Partnership Separations Work
A domestic partnership separation is treated just like a typical divorce. However, regardless of the situation, you should find an experienced attorney who has helped people with their child support, child custody, visitation, and/or property division case.
Do Registered Domestic Partners Have the Same Legal Rights as Spouses in California?
California law states that Registered Domestic Partners have many of the same rights as spouses. These rights include:
- The ability to add a partner to state-administered health insurance benefits
- The right to inheritance, should one partner die
- The ability to raise a child born during the partnership
- The ability to adopt a child born before the partnership
- The right to own community property
- The ability to take their domestic partner’s last name or combine their last names
How Our Ventura Domestic Partnership Lawyers Can Serve You
At SANTO MEHAS, negotiated settlement is always our preferred method of choice. In the event this is not possible, we are also able to help litigate your domestic partnership in court.
We take pride in the way we communicate and serve our clients. With us, there will always be someone available at our office to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Fill out a contact us form online or give us a call at (805) 222-7818 for help with your domestic partnership case.
An Emphasis on Strong Family Values
Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
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Holistic Approach
We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.
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Collaboration
Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.
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Children Come First
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
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Compassionate Legal Services
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
Our Satisfied Clients
Real Stories from Real People
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“Donna did a great job on my divorce.”
“They kept the case on track, knew which options were optimal, and responded well to my preferences for proceeding.They kept legal bills to a minimum as they worked expertly on my behalf.”- David -
“They have been absolutely phenomenal”
“They have been absolutely phenomenal”- Dante H. -
“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”
“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”- Paul R. -
“They are a tremendous blessing.”
Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.- Lupe V. -
“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”- Melissa A. -
“Exceptional Lawyer”
Attorney Michael Mehas was one of the most straight forward people I have ever met. He handled my cases immediately. He accomplished something for me and my family that three Los Angeles County divorce lawyers failed to do: He got child support from my ex husband within short periods of time. He guided me through the process with honest advice, and his legal fees were very reasonable, he's professional, and I have referred him to family members. Since then, Mr. Mehas has also handled several civil matters for me and is the only attorney I turn to when I need legal help. I’d hire him again, such a positive experience in the middle of a bad situation. Thank you, Michael Mehas, for all you've done for me and my family.- Jess -
“Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse.”
- J.T.Donna and her staff are highly experienced/knowledgeable with family law. My case was complicated by child custody and divorce issues. For several years, my ex sought to always try and bring me back to court for mundane issues. Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse. I highly recommend Donna to anybody needing a qualified legal professional with a heart.
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“I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process.”
- Jennifer C.I have had the pleasure of retaining Donna Santo as my divorce attorney. Obviously, no one wants to retain a divorce attorney but sometimes life leads you to things you thought you'd never have to do. Donna came highly recommended by contacts, friends, and colleagues. She has been practicing law for over 40 years. I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process - something that was not mirrored from opposing counsel. I wanted as little drama as possible with the negotiations and proceedings and that is the way she conducted herself and my case. Her staff was truly wonderful to work with. I'm happy to speak with or provide a professional reference for her.
